Accessibility

All GCT buses are equipped with a wheelchair lift or ramp and a "kneeling" feature. The wheelchair lift will lower a platform to the ground and lift a wheelchair onto the bus. The lift is also available for use by individuals who cannot maneuver the bus steps. The passenger stands on the lift as it raises to the bus level. The "kneeling feature mechanically lowers or kneels the front of the bus closer to the curb. It can be used by individuals who have difficulty stepping onto the bus, yet can maneuver the other steps by using the handrails once inside the bus.

All GCT buses can carry wheelchair users simultaneously. The wheelchair lift is at the front door of all buses. One wheelchair station is on the curb side of the bus and the other station is on the street side of the bus.

If You Are a Wheelchair User:

The wheelchair brakes must be in good working order at the time you board a bus. This requirement is for your safety during operation of the lift and during the ride.

If you are able to transfer yourself to a regular bus seat, you may do so. The GCT driver will secure your chair in a wheelchair station. It is your option whether to remain in your wheelchair or sit in a regular bus seat.How to Board in a Wheelchair:

When the bus stops at the curb, position your wheelchair approximately six feet from the wheelchair accessible doorway.

Before the GCT driver operates the wheelchair lift, ambulatory passengers will get on and off the bus.

AFTER the GCT driver lowers the lift platform all the way to the ground, position your chair directly onto the platform.

When the chair is completely on the platform, secure the chair brakes. The driver will raise the safety flap and elevate the lift. THE CHAIR BRAKES MUST BE LOCKED (either manually or electronically) BEFORE THE PLATFORM RISES.

Please wait until the platform is fully elevated and level with the floor of the bus before wheeling on board.

The driver will raise the regular passenger seats to expose the wheelchair station. Position your chair in the wheelchair station space. The driver will secure the wheelchair to the floor with the tie-downs.

Buses are also equipped with seat belts for the wheelchair passenger. These seatbelts are optional so tell the driver whether or not you want it secured.

How to Get Off the Bus in a Wheelchair:

Generally, leaving the bus is just the reverse of boarding. Do not attempt to remove the tie-downs on your own; the driver will remove them after stopping.

When leaving the bus, the driver will position the lift for your departure. The chair brakes must be applied BEFORE the platform descends.

Once the platform has been lowered completely and the safety flap lowers, release the brakes and wheel onto the sidewalk.

How to Board by Standing on the Lift:

If you are unable to maneuver the bus steps, let the driver know you need to use the lift to board the bus. The GCT driver will lower the lift. Once the lift is fully lowered, step onto the platform and hold onto the handrails. The driver will raise the lift and once it is level with the bus floor, simply walk onto the bus.

How to Board Using the "Kneeling" Feature:

If you are unable to step up to the first step, ask the GCT driver to "kneel the us." The front of the bus will lower hydraulically almost even with the curb. Once the bus has lowered, step forward to the first step and use the handrails to maneuver the other two steps.

Mobility Training:

GCT provides mobility training for interested individuals and groups. This training includes a demonstration of the features of our buses and the opportunity to board a bus to familiarize yourself with these features. Training will also include instruction in how to read schedules. Please call the GCT Administrative Office if you would like more information or wish to schedule a mobility training session.